10 things you didn't know about 'Devious Maids'

By By Emily Bamforth / mySA.com

on June 24, 2013 10:50 AM

Photo: Donald Traill/Associated Press

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1) Eva Longoria isn't starring, but producing.

Longoria was brought in by writer Marc Cherry as an executive producer for "Devious Maids," which premiered Sunday. Longoria has earned a degree in Chicano studies and is an activist for Latino issues. less

1) Eva Longoria isn't starring, but producing.

Longoria was brought in by writer Marc Cherry as an executive producer for "Devious Maids," which premiered Sunday. Longoria has earned a degree in Chicano ... more

The quintet of maids that make up the show's leading ladies are all of Latin descent. Longoria described this as the first time this demographic make-up has made it to air, and as "breakthrough television." less

2) There's an all-Latina leading cast.

The quintet of maids that make up the show's leading ladies are all of Latin descent. Longoria described this as the first time this demographic make-up has made it to ... more

The show jumps off of "Ellas Son la Alegria Del Hogar." In the original, all cast members are Hispanic -- including employers.

3) It's based on a telenovela.

The show jumps off of "Ellas Son la Alegria Del Hogar." In the original, all cast members are Hispanic -- including employers.

3) It's based on a telenovela. The show jumps off of... Photo-4806312.65119 - San Antonio Express-News

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4) There's been backlash.

Some feel that the show locks Latinas into certain roles, including Alisa Vlades-Rodiguez, author of "The Dirty Girls Social Club. The novelist wrote in an opinion for the Huffington Post that states "it is not wrong to be a maid, or even a Latina maid. But there is something very wrong with an American entertainment
industry that continually tells Latinas that this is all they are or can
ever be." less

4) There's been backlash.

Some feel that the show locks Latinas into certain roles, including Alisa Vlades-Rodiguez, author of "The Dirty Girls Social Club. The novelist wrote in an opinion for the Huffington ... more

Photo: Photos From ABC Studios Via Getty Images

4) There's been backlash. Some feel that the show locks... Photo-4806311.65119 - San Antonio Express-News

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5) BUT the National Hispanic Media Coalition supports the show.

The organization stated there was nothing wrong with the show, but they were keeping an eye out for the series "depicting Latinas in negative stereotypical roles," according to CNN.

Ana Ortiz is known for her role in "Ugly Betty," which also got its roots in a telenovela. Judy Reyes spent eight seasons on medical comedy "Scrubs." Roselyn Sanchez starred in "Without a Trace," while Dana Remirez was on "Entourage." The newcomer of the group is Edy Ganem, who plays Judy Reyes' daughter. less

8) The main cast are small-screen sirens.

Ana Ortiz is known for her role in "Ugly Betty," which also got its roots in a telenovela. Judy Reyes spent eight seasons on medical comedy "Scrubs." Roselyn Sanchez ... more

Photo: Mark Davis, Getty Images

8) The main cast are small-screen sirens. Ana Ortiz is known for... Photo-4802071.65119 - San Antonio Express-News

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9) You can get your dose of Susan Lucci.

The actress is best known for her role on "All My Children." She plays Judy Reyes' eccentric employer on "Devious Maids."

9) You can get your dose of Susan Lucci.

The actress is best known for her role on "All My Children." She plays Judy Reyes' eccentric employer on "Devious Maids."

Photo: Donald Traill, Associated Press

9) You can get your dose of Susan Lucci. The actress is best... Photo-3915542.65119 - San Antonio Express-News

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10) The show starts with a bang.

The show's advertisements, which often feature pictures of maids mopping up blood or squeezing blood out of a sponge, are representative of the plot from the very beginning. The pilot kicks off with a murder, after a housekeeper, Flora, was stabbed at her bosses' party.